The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit isexpected to reach high levels during 03 August and 12 - 15 August.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettledlevels during 01 - 06 August. Activity is expected to increase tounsettled to minor storm levels on 07 August due to a recurrentcoronal hole high-speed wind stream. Quiet to unsettled conditionsare expected during 08 - 09 August as coronal hole effects subside.Another recurrent coronal hole wind stream is forecast to affect thefield during 10 - 11 August with unsettled to minor storm levelsexpected. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettledlevels during 12 - 24 August. Activity is expected to increase tounsettled to active levels during 25 - 26 August due to anotherround of recurrent coronal hole effects. Activity is expected todecrease to quiet to unsettled levels on the final day of theforecast period.

These are a few of my logs from the Rhein-Main Radio Club DX Camp in Langenselbold, near Hanau, Central Germany. Conditions seemed favourable, and the good performance of the RMRC dipole antenna helped a lot. The dipole was approx. 10 meter long each side, and the central point was hoisted up a flagpole. I used it on my JRC NRD-525 receiver.

ETHIOPIA

Radio Ethiopia was heard in Somali on 26 July, 12.22 UTC on both frequencies in parallel: 7165.0 and 9560.6 kHz, with SINPO 32432 and 33322. It was heard again on 28 July at 1358 UTC, now on 9560.3, listed as Afar language, which may well be so to the sound of it, then at 1400 heard their IS and then the Arabic program, SINPO 32422.

BRAZIL

Radio Cancao Nova was heard in the middle of the day on 9675 kHz at 12.37 UTC on 26 July with SINPO 34322. They brought a sermon in Portuguese.

NIGER

La Voix du Sahel, heard on 26 July at 1302 UTC on 9705 kHz with French news about the "president of the Republic of Niger, the safeguard of the constitution". SINPO 34433. Also heard on 29 July at 0605 UTC with SINPO 33443.

PALAU

Heard a chinese talking station which presumably is T8BZ Koror from Palau. Received on 9965 kHz on 26 July at 1348 UTC with SINPO 23422.

MOLDOVA

The breakaway station Radio DMR from Pridnestrovye was heard with their English broadcast on 26 July, 1600 UTC at SINPO 53443. Pridnestrovyan officials seemed to be annoyed by a declaration of the EU parliament that human rights were neglected in the arrest of two terrorists in that forgotten part of Europe.

MADAGASCAR

Radio Madagasikara, music, national anthem, 3 x IS and sign off. Heard on 26 July at 1854 UTC with SINPO 33322.

AUSTRALIA

I heard all 3 transmitters of the NTSS network on all 6 frequencies - all for the first time! 26 July, 1902 UTC, phone-in show about football coaching, on 2485 (SINPO 35333), 2325 (25322), and 2310 kHz (22322). ID as "ABC Darwin" after the 1930 news. A little later I heard them sign off at 2130, and re-appear on 60m: 4835 (SINPO 33333), 4910 (33333) and 5025 kHz (42333) with another news edition.

BELARUS

Kanal Kultura seems still to be on: music heard on 7265 kHz on 27 July at 1345. SINPO 34322. Unfortunately no ID, but what else could it be?

TANZANIA

Radio Tanzania Zanzibar still very strong, heard on 27 July at 1950 UTC on 11735 kHz with 54543. Speech, IDs, news.

SINGAPORE

A whole bundle of Mediacorp stations also made it around the globe on 27 July: The Malayan Radio Warna, heard at 2325 UTC on 7235 kHz with SINPO 53443, chatting about a festival and numerous references to Malaysia and Singapora (sic). The Tamil Oli 96.8 FM on 7275 kHz, heard at 2335 UTC with SINPO 43433 (ads and music). The English 938-LIVE with report and jingle/ID at 2342 UTC, SINPO 32432. And traces of the Mandarin channel (dunno which FM station actually was relayed) could be heard beneath RHC and Radio Prague on 6000 kHz at 2348 UTC, SINPO 22422.

COLOMBIA

La Voz de Guaviare, ID, jingle, national anthem and sign off, heard on 28 July at 0258 UTC, SINPO 33322.

Special LIVE broadcast of the Rhein-Main Radio Club with reports about the DX camp where I heard this broadcast, featuring interviews with participants, myself included, recorded a few hours earlier on the camp site (not a campsite!). 9290 kHz via Ulbroka, on 28 July, 1700-1900 UTC, booming in with 55555.

BOLIVIA

Radio Mosoj Chaski heard for the first time, 3310 kHz, 29 July, 0120 UTC, music and phone-in, SINPO 34232. Closedown at 0135 UTC.

BRAZIL

Radio Mundial, with woman in Portuguese, on 29 July at 0138 UTC, 3325 kHz, SINPO 22222.

BOLIVIA

Radio San Miguel on new 4691.39 kHz, on 29 July at 0154 UTC, music program, closedown without anthem at 0252 UTC. SINPO 34232.

A single Peruvian log: Radio Victoria with brass music heard on 6019.53 kHz on 29 July at 0451 UTC, SINPO 32322. Not heard on 9720.

AUGUILLA

On the air this time, Gene Scott with his usual speeches was heard on 6090 kHz, but I tuned away very fast not only because of the program but also because it was buried between the two strong DRM signals on 6085 and 6095. 29 July, 0525 UTC, SINPO 41431.

ALBANIA

Trans World Radio, 29 July, 0531 UTC (a little late), with what seemed to be a multilingual loop, the Polish part seemed to say that they have problems with their antenna. SINPO 44444.

COLOMBIA

Marfil Estéreo heard well on 5910 kHz on 29 July at 0532 UTC. Music program with jingles after each second song. SINPO 34323.

Despite local and international outcry, the Greek conservative government passed a new Act on 5 July which aims to regulate the country’s electronic media landscape. Only MPs from the ruling New Democracy party voted for the new law which restricts all small radio stations including minority language radio. All three opposition parties opposed it.In particular, the new law forces all radio stations that wish to have a new licence – currently all the present ones have to be replaced - to broadcast using Greek as the primary language of the programme. This restriction applies almost solely to the several radio stations that broadcast in Turkish in the region of western Thraki, as well as to any potential Macedonian or Vlach minority radio that plans to broadcast in the future.Read the full story at Eurolang.net(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

David de Jong writes: The German version of Radio Luxembourg became 50 years old on 15 July. What is today RTL Radio - die besten Hits aller Zeiten, began on 15 July 1957 as a German speaking request programme on Radio Luxembourg. The German broadcasts started originally only as one hour per day on mediumwave (208 metres/1440 kHz) and shortwave, to become four hours a day with the subtitle ‘Vier fröhlichen Wellen’.

From 1964 RTL Radio started broadcasting on FM in Luxembourg from 06 till midnight and in daytime also on mediumwave. Thanks to the FM and mediumwave broadcasts the station was able to gain popularity in a large part of western Germany (especially the Nordrhein westfahlen area) and was able to pioneer as a commercial radio station while there were only public radio stations in Germany.

From 1964 the station was called RTL Radio Luxemburg, to be changed in 1988 to RTL Horfunk and from 1990 RTL Radio. Originally RTL Radio was a general entertainment radio station, but at the beginning of the ’90’s it changed to an ‘oldies’ format with the subtitle ‘die grossten Oldies’. From December 2002 until September 2005 the station had an adult contemporary format with the slogan ‘die besten Hits mit Gefuhl’, but changed back to a golden oldies format in September 2005 with the slogan ‘die besten Hits aller Zeiten’.

At the beginning of the nineties the company which is now RTL Group SA started with local (hit orientated) FM radio stations in Germany. One of the oldest is 104.6 RTL - Berlins Hit Radio. Most RTL Radio Deutschland affiliates don’t carry the name RTL, only 89.0 RTL (Sachsen Anhalt), Hit Radio RTL Sachsen and the Berlin station.

RTL Radio die besten Hits aller Zeiten still broadcasts on the ‘famous’ 208 m/1440 kHz mediumwave frequency at 04-07 and 16-17 UTC in analogue mode, while 07-16 and 23-03 RTL Radio can be heared in digital DRM mode. RTL Radio die besten Hits aller Zeiten is also still broadcast nationally on cable in Germany and Luxembourg as well as on powerful 100 kW FM frequencies from Luxembourg and on Internet and satellite (analogue & digital). The broadcasts are still coming from the Luxembourg studios located at the RTL Group headquarter buildings in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Monday, July 30, 2007

David de Jongreports: Rai International, the international division of Italian public broadcaster Rai, and the Italian government have signed a new convention about the future of Rai International. The document was signed at a ceremony last Thursday by Rai President Claudio Petruccioli, together with Piero Badaloni, Managing Director of Rai International, and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. Romano Prodi declared that the new convention is a great step forward in a globalised world. Under the new convention, Rai International can create an international news channel in addition to the main Rai International channel. Rai International will be broadcast for the first time in Europe, and will also be available to Italians in Italy through satellite, although they are not the target of Rai International. A few of Rai International’s own productions will also be shown on Rai Uno/Rai Due/Rai Tre in It givealy as ‘return information’. Launch dates for the European channel and the news channel have not yet been announced. It is also not known if the European channel will replace Rai Uno on cable systems where there is only space for one Rai channel. Piero Badaloni, who since joining Rai International has been building a plan to revamp the international services of the Italian broadcaster, also stated that he wants to make Rai International a point of reference for the new generation of Italians in South America. From the start of the new season (September/October) Rai International will focus more on the younger generation, after years of programming aimed at the older generation. The convention replaces old conventions which previously were separate agreements for the radio and television departments of Rai International. In total Rai International will have an annual budget of 35 million euros for its TV services. (Source: several Italian news reports)

An announcer from a North Korean government based radio broadcast, “The Voice of Chosun” is believed to be a Japanese person abducted from Tottori prefecture in 1988.In a telephone conversation with the Daily NK on the 26th, Kazuhiro Araki, representative for Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to N Korea asserted, “On comparing the photos of abducted Japanese person Yakura Tomiyatsu in 1988 and a footage of announcer Shin Beom at a recording of “The Voice of Chosun” at Pyongyang’s Korea Hotel on March 15th, there is a high possibility that they are the same person.”Read the full story in the Daily NK(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Minivan Radio will resume shortwave broadcasts from 1 August. The Maldivian opposition station has only been available via the Internet since it stopped shortwave broadcasts four months ago in anticipation of winning an FM licence, but has so far been unable to procure one. It has been decided to resume shortwave broadcasts in the run-up to a referendum in late August on whether Maldivians want a parliamentary system or presidential system of government. Broadcasts will be daily at 1600-1700 UTC on 11965 kHz via a transmitter in Germany.(Source: Minivan Radio/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Two new pirates reported this week, Long Range Radio and Mind Botch Radio. Thanks to the pirate fans, enjoy a sampling from this weeks newsletter.Gayle VH

all times UTC

Hey Joe Radio7/26/7 00:29 sio434, very strong signal, came on all of a sudden in mid-song,"Hey Joe", of course, then faded away at 00:30 (Al Fansome)6925 WHJR Hey Joe Radio) 26 July 07. 0024-0033. First time log of this station. IDs as "Hey Joe Radio, and WHJR-All Joe all the time." Several renditions of"Hey Joe" including one by Jimi Hendrix. Poor. (Wood, TN).

Long Range Radio6925.5U 0254-0326 7/22/07 SIO=242+. Prgm started w/two males talking and laughing. Dial a Ho sketch, and an interview w/a comedian. Some rock, plus several parody ads. One ad for Generation X-lax, and another ad for RU-469 contraception method. No addr ancd. (Zeller-OH)

Mind Botch Radio6925.6 AM *0035-0054* 7/22/07 SIO=444/545. A new one for me, blasting in with a genuine powerhouse signal. Some rock at the beginning, but mainly a prgm of country mx tunes including the oldie Jambalaya and other more modern country mx. Ancd the 6925 freq and requested repts to the FRN. (Zeller-OH)

Radio Is My Friend/ My Friend is Radio

6925.6 0127-0152 7/22/07SIO=444/545. Return of this story about Graham Conner at the Cherokee Asylum in Iowa. He doesn’t like the meat loaf or the high volume TV at the asylum, and it is not his home. Some woman named Abigail sent him to the asylum in 1979, but he doesn’t like it. Some rock mx incl “Radio Killed the Radio Star,” but mostly Conner moaning about his dismal fate in the asylum. No addr ancd. The only ID on this one is several repeats of the slogan as listed here. Probably the same xmtr as Mind Botch R., as both of them blasted in here. (Zeller-OH)

Voice of Laryngitis6925AM 7/22 0226+ A story about the FCC and Bob. The story compared pirate radio as an addiction like drugs. (333 Majewski CT)

This week's guest in Flatlanders is American-born Dutch art historian GarySchwartz. Schwartz adopted the Netherlands as his home country over 40 yearsago and has become one of this country's most respected publishers andscholars on the subject of Dutch painting of the 17th century. His greatlove and preoccupation is Rembrandt.

This week on The State We're In - Midweek Edition, the show about humanrights and human wrongs...

200 years ago, a woman from South Africa was put on display in England,solely because her body was considered bizarre - and beautiful... Today thestory of the Hottentot Venus can still tell us much about the role beautyplays in how we treat each other.

All that and this week's human rights news on The State We're In - MidweekEdition.

This week we bring you another of our Radio Books - a series of shortstories by Dutch and Flemish writers in English translation. This story iscalled The Outsider's View by Désanne van Brederode.

Her previous work includes a book about 19th-century philosophy, as well asappearing as a regular columnist on a political television programme. Inthis story, a renowned Dutch poet seizes an opportunity to address aninternational symposium for young leaders - with unsettling consequences.

Laura Durnford and Thijs Westerbeek keep a close watch on the latestresearch and the hottest scientific topics. Climate change, cancer research,bio fuels, new medicines, recycling, nano technology, anything the audiencemight find interesting can and will be covered in an interesting andeasy-to-follow fashion

CYPRUS, 5B. Members of the Nicosia ARC will be QRV as C4MG from Agios Georgios, IOTA AS-120, during the IOTA contest. Outside the contest, look for activity from 5B4NC/p. QSL both calls via 5B4KH.

ZAMBIA, 9J. Ryuji, JO7QQV is QRV as 9J2QQV and can be found on 20 meters using PSK from 1700 to 2000z during the weekends. QSL via operator's instructions.

TAIWAN, BV. Look for BO0K to be QRV from KinMen Island, IOTA AS-102, during the IOTA contest. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via BV2KI.

CHINA, BY. Dale, BA4TB/4, Jiang, BG4TBC/4, Dai, BG4TBJ/4, Yun, BG1LKK/4 and Mi,BG4TQX/4 are QRV from Chongming Island, IOTA AS-136, until July 30. Activity is on 80 to 6 meters using CW, SSB and RTTY. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

CUBA, CO. Edor, CO7PH will be QRV from Cayo Paredon Grande, IOTA NA-086, from July 28 and 29. Activity will be mostly on 20 and 17 meters using CW and SSB. QSL via W3HNK.

ESTONIA, ES. A group of Estonian operators will be QRV as ES2U from Rammu Island, IOTA EU-149, for the IOTA contest. QSL via operators' instructions.

WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS, FW. Mike, KM9D and Jan, KF4TUG are QRV as FW0MO and FW0YL, respectively, from Wallis, IOTA OC-054. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest as FW0YL. Activity is on all bands using CW and SSB. Their length of stay is unknown. QSL both calls via OM2SA.

ENGLAND, G. In commemoration of the 21st World Scout Jamboree at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, a group of operators are QRV as GB100J until August 7. Activity is on all bands and modes. QSL via operators' instructions.

JERSEY, GJ. Operators M0PCB and 2E1IDT are QRV as MJ0PCB and 2J1IDT, respectively, until July 31. This includes limited activity in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

SCOTLAND, GM. A large group of operators will be QRV as GM2T from the Isle of Tiree, IOTA EU-008, in the IOTA contest. Prior to the contest, look for them to be active as MM0CPS/p. QSL via bureau.

HONDURAS, HR. Radio Club of Honduras members will be QRV as HQ3C from the Cochinos Cays, IOTA NA-160, during the IOTA contest. QSL via bureau.

THAILAND, HS. Cha, HS8KAY will be QRV from Phuket Island, IOTA AS-053, in the IOTA contest as a Single-Op/24-Hour entry.

ALASKA, KL7. Rich, N7TCO and Martin, W7ASF are QRV as W7ASF/KL7 from Prince of Wales Island, IOTA NA-041, until July 30. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via W7ASF.

NORWAY, LA. Juergen, DB5YB will be QRV as LA/DB5YB from Stord Island, IOTA EU-055, from July 28 to August 9 while on holiday. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL to home call.

NETHERLANDS, PA. A group of operators will be QRV as PA0HFT from Terschelling Island, IOTA EU-038, in the IOTA contest. QSL via bureau.

GREECE, SV. George, SV1QN and Giannis, SV1GYG are QRV as homecall/8 from Samos Island, IOTA EU-049, until August 4. Activity is on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

EUROPEAN RUSSIA, UA. A group of operators will be QRV as RI1AA from Bolshoy Berezovyy Island, IOTA EU-133, in the IOTA contest. Outside the contest they are active as UE1CBB. QSL both calls via UA1AIR.

UKRAINE, UR. Alex, UR5FEL/p, Petro, UR5FCZ/p and Sam, UT9FJ/p are QRV from Berezan Island, IOTA EU-179, until July 30. This includes entries in the IOTA contest. QSL to home calls.

MICRONESIA, V6. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the club station, look for JN3JBC, JI6DUE, JA3UWB, JF3PLF, JH3TXR and JA3ART to be QRV as V60KL, V60DU, V60TI, V60IL, V60TX and V63JJ, respectively, including club station V60YAQ, from Pohnpei Island, IOTA OC-010, from July 30 to August 6. Activity will be on 160 to 6 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY, FM and PSK31. QSL to home calls. QSL V60YAQ via JI6DUE.

CANADA, VE. Fred, ON6QR plans to be QRV as VO/ON6QR from Newfoundland, IOTA NA-027, during the IOTA contest. Activity is mainly with CW and QRP power. QSL to home call.

VENEZUELA, YV. Members of the 4M5DX team are QRV as YW1DX from Cayo Sombrero, IOTA SA-089, until July 30. This includes an entry in the IOTA contest. QSL via IT9DAA.

(Washington, DC--July 24, 2007) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty(RFE/RL) and its oversight agency, the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), expressed dismay at Armenian Public Radio's rejection of a new contract to continue carrying programs of RFE/RL's Armenian Service.

RFE/RL Armenian programs have been aired on Armenian Public Radio -- Armenia's top radio network -- since 1998, where they have earned the trust of a significant number of listeners. Survey data shows that 15 percent of Armenian adults listen to RFE/RL programs each week.

Three days of discussions in Yerevan, Armenia last week between U.S. and Armenian broadcast officials ended without agreement on a new contract to replace one that had lapsed in February.

"Our delegation was asked to go to Yerevan to iron out some minor technical issues and conclude a contract to extend this successful partnership," said BBG Chairman James K. Glassman. "All these issues were resolved. Our delegation was told there are no deadlines, and no threat was made to take RFE/RL programs off Public Radio. Yet the contract remains unsigned, and our offers to make payment were refused. It seems clear that whatever is holding up an agreement has nothing to do with legal, contractual, or technical issues."

"We value our relationship with Armenian Public Radio," added Glassman, "and certainly want it to continue. We look forward to signing the contract, and making all payments stipulated in the contract, as soon as our partners in Armenia tell us they are ready."

The Armenian parliament on July 3 did not adopt amendments to the country's media regulations that would have banned RFE/RL and other foreign broadcasters from public airwaves. One week later, Armenian Public Radio indicated that it planned to stop RFE/RL broadcasts on August 9, citing contractual and payment issues. Last week's visit to Armenia by RFE/RL and BBG contracting officials was intended to resolve these issues.

"The potential end of our very fruitful relationship with Public Radio has no economic or other legitimate justification," said RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin. "Armenians go to the polls in eight months to choose their next President, and therefore it is particularly important that RFE/RL's broadcasts, which are widely respected for their accuracy, objectivity and timeliness, reach the largest possible audience. Our coverage of the May 12 parliamentary elections was singled out for raise by OSCE observers for its balance and thoroughness."

RFE/RL's Armenian Service has been on the air since 1953 and produces more than three and one half hours of Armenian-language programming daily in Prague and its Yerevan Bureau. Armenian Service programming is available via satellite, local affiliates and the Internet, at the service's website http://www.azatutyun.am and athttp://www.rferl.org ; English-language news about events in Armenia can be found on the RFE/RL website, athttp://www.rferl.org/featuresarchive/country/armenia.html(Source: Zacharias Liangas, Greece via HCDX)

Radio Asia AM, the first Malayalam Radio Station in the Gulf and the Middle East region, is set to increase its reach by changing its frequency from 1557 kHz to 1269 kHz from 11th Aug 2007 onwards, said Brij Bhalla, General Manager. The new 1269 AM Radio Asia will further enhance its foot print across UAE and other GCC countries. Along with the change of frequency, a series of new programmes are also in the pipeline.

The station has shut down for 15 days while the broadcasting team tests the new 24 hour grid of programmes and latest software and equipment in the studios at Ras Al Khaimah. The FM service continues normally. Listeners can still stay connected through www.radioasiauae.com .(Source: The Peninsula/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Average daily sunspot numbers and solar flux are down this week. Average daily sunspot number declined nearly 28 points to 1.7, and the daily solar flux average was down nearly 7 points to 67.4. When the solar flux is less than 70, it often means no sunspots, and the sunspot number has been zero for a week. Predicted solar flux for the next week is 70, which suggests a sunspot or two, with the chance for sunspots increasing after August 2.

Currently the IMF (Interplanetary Magnetic Field) points south, making our planet vulnerable to geomagnetic upset. The effect from solar wind should be mild, with the planetary A index for July 27-31 predicted at 15, 5, 5, 8 and 15. Geophysical Institute Prague predicts quiet to unsettled conditions for July 27, quiet for July 28, quiet to unsettled July 29, unsettled July 30, quiet to unsettled July 31 and quiet again on August 1-2.

In response to our links to historical sunspot activity graphs at wm7d.net, Sid Sosin, W7SID of Bellevue, Washington commented, ''What data was available on sunspot activity in 1761 and the remainder of the 18th century, and the 19th century, for that matter?

Jim Henderson, KF7E of Queen Creek, Arizona asked what the lowest recorded solar flux is. We went over that a couple of months ago in ARLP022, and the lowest value I've seen is right around 65.

Robert Wood, W5AJ of Midland, Texas sent a link to a picture of the sun and asked about a dark patch near the northern pole. I don't know what it is, but I assume it might be a cooler area, because sunspots are dark and they are cooler relative to nearby areas. It sure is a nice picture though. See it athttp://umbra.nascom.nasa.gov/eit/images/latest_eit_304_full.gif .

Don Josephs, K5DEJ of Fredericksburg, Texas wrote to ask about the relationship between solar flux, sunspot numbers and the A index, and what they mean to propagation.

You can see from this table athttp://www.sec.noaa.gov/ftpdir/indices/DSD.txt that solar flux tends to rise and fall with sunspot number. The flux is 10.7 cm wavelength (about 2.8 GHz) energy measured at a Canadian observatory in British Columbia. One advantage of measuring solar flux is that the measurements are objective, while the sunspot number is somewhat subjective. But for our purposes, if we want to predict radio signals on a certain day over a certain path, an average of recent sunspot numbers is a better value to use than solar flux.

The A index is derived from eight daily readings from magnetometers. We generally want to see those numbers low, especially if we are trying to propagate radio signals over polar paths, because higher geomagnetic activity signals greater absorption. But watch over the next few years as solar activity increases. Greater solar activity not only may signal more sunspots, but it also means more solar flares and solar wind, which often affects earth's geomagnetic field. So increased sunspot activity is a kind of double-edged sword. We want more sunspots, but along with that can come greater chances of geomagnetic storms.

A good way to visualize the effects of sunspot activity over a particular path is to use a couple of free computer programs, W6Elprop and VOAprop. W6Elprop will give you likely signal levels over a path between two locations, while VOAprop is great for visualizing how signal coverage shifts through the day. This link will take you to past bulletins which discuss these programs, and recommend ways to use them: http://tinyurl.com/2d8w87 .

If you would like to make a comment or have a tip for our readers, email the author at, k7ra@arrl.net .

Radio Romania International (RRI)http://www.rri.ro/Radio Romania International launched their new website in mid-April of this year, and it’s very nice. The RRI homepage is formatted in a similar way to many other broadcasters’ websites, with links across the top and left side, news and features in the centre and links to audio and major features on the right. Headings on the top include The English Service, Today in the News, What’s on This Week, Forum (actually a contact page), Reception Report, and QSL, which shows RRI’s printed QSL cards – these appear to change every month! On the left you’ll fi nd Contact Us (perhaps this can be combined with Forum, Reception Report, and QSL in the future), current Frequencies, histories of both RRI and Romania, Contest (nothing new at the moment, Things to Know, and Media Partners.

On the right side of the website are links to three different RRI audio streams, each available in Real Audio and MP3 format. The quality of these streams was excellent during my listening. Below this is a listing of twelve languages used by RRI, and here’s the twist – when choosing a different language, the news and features in the middle of the page are also different! Even the photos change. Given that my Russian (and most of the other choices) is non-existent, I cannot give too many details, but it appears that each of the RRI language versions has been tailored to a specifi c listening/viewing audience. Excellent work! Please, take the time to explore RRI, as their new website is very well put together. Next month we’ll close up the cottage, send the kids to school, and have a look at Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Sri Lanka. Don’t hesitate to send me some feedback as I begin planning for 2008.(Source: ODXA-ListeningIn, Qlick!, Aug 07)

The Voice of Nigeria website is a bit of a rude awakening. The homepage is fairly typical, with news stories taking up the centre of the page and several links at the top. Unfortunately, most of these links are broken, leading either to blank pages or to browser error messages.

The News page shows several 5-15 word headlines, six feature stories (two of which are identical, and, on my browser, twenty “missing icon” messages. The About VON page gives a brief history of the station, their current operating mandate, and links (on the right) to On Air audio in eight languages. None of these appear to work. Perhaps they’re in the midst of an update, and forgot to mention it on the main page. Sigh…

(Source: ODXA-Listening In, Click!, Aug 07)

Voice of Nigeria is using the following English schedule on shortwave. All times UTC.Programming targeted to Africa.

9524.96 Voice of Indonesia via Cimanggis 0740-0805 July 25. Gamelan mx used as IS for about 20 minutes; occasional EG ID; into regular EG txmsn at 0800. Poor signal w/QSB and QRM'ed by Cotton Tree Radio, which was also not very good. Quite a difference in signal level for RRI at this time vs. 1300 UTC when signal strength reaches S9 +40 dB. (John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer July 27)(Source: WWDXC Top News - BC DX #818)

Friday, July 27, 2007

Another international broadcasting shortwave site is to close at the end of the current shortwave broadcast season. The American Federation of Government Employees, Local 1812, says that the Broadcasting Board of Governors has announced the closure of the Delano, California transmitting station. The closure is scheduled for October 30, 2007 [Sic. Probably means Sunday 28 October]. Employees will remain on the payroll until January 5, 2008.

This news hardly comes as a surprise, as the closure has been rumoured for months. Kim Andrew Elliott notes that the site is currently used for Radio Martí, VOA Spanish & Creole, and Special English to Latin America.(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

George K. Otis, Sr., founder of High Adventure Ministries and Voice of Hope, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 22, 2007, at the age of 90.

Otis was a Christian radio pioneer and evangelist He was an author of more than a dozen books, including his autobiography, High Adventure. The founder of the Voice of Hope Radio Network, Otis eventually surrounded the globe with shortwave radio stations.

His ministry in Israel started what would become Middle East Television. He was best known for his energetic enthusiasm and unflagging commitment to reaching the world with the Gospel. His life touched the lives of actors, athletes and politicians like Pat Boone and former president, Ronald Reagan. His lifelong commitment to Israel gave him opportunity to meet with prime ministers like Yitzak Rabin, Menecham Begin and Shimon Peres.

Otis is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia, his sons George Otis, Jr., and Don Otis and three surviving daughters, Kay Smith, April McCallum and Heather Tayloe.(Source: High Adventure Ministries/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Effective 11 August, Scotland’s only independent international broadcaster, Radio Six International, returns to shortwave with a resumption of its Saturday morning broadcast on 9290 kHz beamed to Europe, the Far East and Pacific regions.

The programme – transmitted every Saturday between 0700 and 0800 UTC – will be relayed from the 100 kW facility at Ulbroka, Latvia as well as from the 2.7 kW mediumwave transmitter on 945 kHz in Riga, Latvia.

The station has recently expressed reservations about the effectiveness of shortwave transmissions, and is available 24 hours a day on the internet at www.radiosix.com as well as via satellite and FM in various parts of the world at certain times of day.

The shortwave and mediumwave transmissions will continue until the end of September, when the situation will be reviewed.(Source: Tony Currie, radio six international/R netherlands Media Network Weblog)

6134.81, Radio Santa Cruz, 0907-0930 Noted a male with ID and brief comments. This was followed with local type music. At about 0915 possibly news presented since male talks at length. Signal was fair with some fading while there was a het from the station on 6135 kHz, but easily notched out. (C.Bolland, FL)

Canada6160 CKZN St. Johns NL (p); 2203, 24-July; End of CBC News, into As It Happens program. SIO=222. Still no sign of 6070 CFRX. (H.Frodge, MI)

Egypt9460 Radio Cairo; 2317-2327+, 25-July; Male in English with Arab world news; ID at 2326 & news continued. SIO=4+4+4 (Frodge-MI)

Germany7295 Radio Farda; 0056-0102+, Pop-style music to ID at 0100, then news in local language. SIO=3+53- (H. Frodge-MI)

Guatemala4780 Radio Cultural Coatan; 0042-0101+, 24-July; Male in Spanish with exhortive talk; has cadence of a sermon, but sounds more political. ID at 0100 after brief London Bridge is Falling Down! SIO=332 with het from 4781.5, LSB takes it out. (H. Frodge-MI)

IndonesiaIndonesia, 4790, RRI Fak Fak, 0955-1005 Since this freq is clear lately, noted Fak Fak with Koran type program of singing by a male up to the hour and through the hour. No break for ID or anything at 1000. Signal was fair during this time. (C. Bolland, FL)

Mexico9599.3, presumed R.UNAM, 1025-1045, Spanish. Classical/opera music with brief YL at 1030. Poor/choppy signal. Noted again on June 15, 0940-1017 with same format and signal quality. (S. Barbour-NH)

Peru6019.5, Radio Victoria, 0925-0935 Noted a male in Spanish religious comments. Very excitable which is a tipoff for Radio Victoria on the air. At 0930, Radio Nederland comes on the air block an already crowded frequency. Radio Victoria was poor when heard earlier.(C. Bolland, FL)

Here is R.W.I's next shedule via Riga, Latvia on 9290kHz with a special country music show dedicated to the festival in France, The Country Rendenvous, celebrating this year their 20th birthday. I'll be there listenning to 15 groups with 24 hours of live music during this last weekend of July

Schedule for: July 27 at 2100 to 2200 UTC , July 28 at 0700 to 0800 UTC and July 29, 0600 to 0700 UTC.

We will be on holiday for two weeks, but the radio programs continue on the net at:http://www.pirateradionetwork/. com/Philippe & Peter Hills(Source: Jose Migel Romero via HCDX)

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Special thanks to Harold Sellers, for permission in posting his editorial from the current issue of Listening-In publication. This is an excellent thought-provoking editorial, one that should be read by every naysayer who insist the hobby is dead, or at least on its last days. There remains a vast radio spectrum to monitor, and plenty to hear. Indeed stations have left the air or downsized, but new stations continue to sign-on. Consider too, we are at the sunspot mimimum, where less than favorable conditions are expected and the norm. This too shall pass, and DXers need to be patient. The sky is not falling folks.Gayle Van Horn

My Shortwave Radio Hasn't Gone SilentYetby Harold SellersIn recent years there’s been a lot of talk decrying the loss of shortwave broadcasters and the perceived slow death of shortwave. While it’s true that many countries and stations have halted their shortwave broadcasts in favor of the internet and satellite broadcasting, when I spin my radio’s dial I still hear lots of signals. They may be “different” than what I commonly found a decade or more ago, but they are still skipping across the oceans to my antenna.

Twenty years ago I was an enthusiastic DXer who spent many hours at my shortwave receiver, often spending entire weekends listening for as many countries as I could hear. Frequently an intense weekend of listening would fi ll my logbook with over 100 countries. It has been a long-g-g-g time since that has happened!

Although it may be diffi cult to hear 100 countries, you might be surprised to know that there are still about 175 countries still broadcasting on shortwave, according to the Country List of the North American Short Wave Association. Granted that country list was designed to give radio DXers as many “countries” to hear as possible and many have not been independent political entities for a long time (if ever), but it’s still an impressive total.

It’s not all bad news for shortwave broadcast band DXers. Even though we lost Iceland and Hungary’s English broadcasts at the end of June 2007, Hungary continues in Hungarian and Radio Kuwait unexpectedly resumed the English transmissions they dropped months earlier.

I know more countries will discontinue broadcasting on shortwave. Technology is changing and so are the political and cultural scenes in the world. My listening habits haven’t remained the same either (not to mention the changes in my career and family life).

I like hearing music and news from around the world. I feel fortunate that I now have several means at my disposal to hear the programming I enjoy. I can use one of my three shortwave radios in any location I might fi nd myself: at home, at work or while traveling. Plus I have a home computer and also a laptop, so in most locations I can access the internet and listen to a broadcaster streaming over the internet or perhaps via World Radio Network. Add to that the many internet-only broadcasters – such as Putumayo Radio, which I’m listening to via iTunes as I type this – and I’ve got the world at my fingertips!

Going back to that time 20 years ago, I had one radio and it wasn’t very portable. I had a computer, but it never left the house and couldn’t “hear” any broadcasters anyway. But back to shortwave. Is it dying? I’ll ask you a question: Did you think more and more countries would take to shortwave every decade and that they would never fi nd other methods or priorities?

The past we enjoyed was great, but so is the present. In many aspects of life we need to adapt and if you are willing to adapt, you needn’t feel disheartened. Embrace the change by having an attitude of not giving up. We have lots to listen to and some great, new radios to do it with.

I’ve been in this DX hobby for 40 years now and I still haven’t heard all of the 175 “radio countries” still on the air.

Excuse me; I have to get back to listening.Till next month....73 and good listening,Harold Sellers(ODXA-Listening In, Aug 2007)

The new IOTA website http://www.rsgbiota.org/ has been up and running since 21 June. It includes many innovative improvements, and contains also many new features including the ability to view one’s own record of island groups confi rmed. Soon it will be possible - for registered users - to claim additional credits on-line and even to claim credit for IOTA Contest QSOs without the need for QSL card verifi cation. The site was developed primarily by Dominic Smith (MØBLF), with Martin Atherton (G3ZAY) acting as the liaison between the project team and the IOTA Committee. Enquires about the website can be emailed to IOTA.online@rsgb.org.uk [425 DX NEWS, 7 July 2007](Source: ODXA/Listening-In/Ham Radio Corner-David Ross)

Brazil3385/5045/ 1550MW, R Guarujá Paulista, Marília, SP. The last DX-programme (no. 190!) from DX Clube do Brasil was broadcast on Sa Jul 21. From Jul 23, Sistema Globo de Rádio began broadcasting via these transmitters at 1300-1600 and 2000-2300 produced by Baixada Santista with the ID: "Rádio Globo Santos". (Romais)

China5860, Voice of Jinling verified my English report with a very nice colourful verification card in 38 days. The QSL text is printed in Chinese but English stamp was also included on the card. They were kind enough to send 4 different Beijing Olympics logo. The contact person of the station is Ms. Ruoyi Liu and she can be contacted via e-mail to: liuruoy@hotmail.com. Their website is www.vojradio.com. (Rajeesh, Jul 10)

Guatemala4781.3, R Cultural Coatán, San Sebastián de Coatán, 2236-2247, Jul 21, Spanish, pops, 34332. (Gonçalves). Also heard on 4780 at 0229-0252*, Jul 14, program of rustic vocals with Spanish talk, ID and frequency ann at 0239. More music until final ID and closedown. Instrumental music until carrier cut at 0252. Poor to fair but clear until Djibouti carrier came on at 0250.(D'Angelo)

Indonesia9525, Voice of Indonesia, 1035-1053, Jul 18, comments in Bahasa Indonesia, 1047 music presented, good. (Bolland). Also heard on 9524.95, *0743-0900, Jul 21 and 22, music and ID loop ("You are listening to the Voice of Indonesia"), one hour English segment with news, sports news, program "Getting to Know Indonesia", "Weekly Review", "News in Brief", gives frequencies of 9525, 11785 and 15150, fair-poor, mixing with CTN until 0800.(Howard)

Kuwait11990, R Kuwait, 1915-2100*, Jul 21, pop music program, reading a short story by a Kuwaiti author, ID's like "You are listening to radio Kuwait" mentioning 11,990 kHz to Europe and North America. The news in brief followed a local time check for 11:49 PM in the State of Kuwait. 2058 close down ann mentioning tomorrow's 1800 GMT transmission. Closed with orchestra National Anthem with 5 + 1 time pips at 2100 and Arabic ID. Fair to good reception.(D'Angelo)

Uganda4976, R Uganda, Kampala, *0300-0426, Jul 13 and 20, opening music followed by a man and woman with ID and opening ann in English and Swahili. Local tribal music and drums. 0400 English news, poor to fair. (D'Angelo)

Vietnam9530, Voice of Vietnam 1, Son Tai, Hanoi, 2220-2300, Jun 26 and 29, reports in Vietnamese with music bridges, 35433. I heard the same station fading in around 1520-1700*, Jul 07, 08 and 09 with same kind of programme.(Schulze)

All India Radio commentary of first Cricket test match, fourth day play between India and England was noted on Jul 22, *1000-1805*, on medium wave and the following shortwave channels: 4810 Bhopal, 4910 Jaipur, 5010Thiru'puram, 5015 Delhi, 5040 Jeypore.

To remind our blog readers, World Radio TV Book is pleased to announce that an update is now available for the A07 schedules file. Updates may be downloaded from a five page pdf file at the WRTH web site: http://www.wrth.com/updates_new.asp .(Source: Gilbert/DXplorer, Jul 13/DX Window #329 7/25/07)

Effective from July 29, the weekly English and Afrikaans transmissions from the official station of the South African Radio League, ZS6SRL, relayed over the Meyerton facility for Africa, are scheduled as follows:Sundays 0800-0900 17590 (replacing 17695) 250 kW 19 degreesSundays 0800-0900 7205 100 kW non-directionalMondays (repeat) 1900-2000 3215 100 kW 290 degrees.The SARL issues its own fully-detailed QSLs for correct reports of the Meyerton relays.

These programs have been broadcast for many years, and provide news about the League's activities, as well as topical news of worldwide events concerning amateur radio and propagation. They are compiled by Hans ZS6SKR and are on 7066 and 145.725 from Pretoria and on various repeaters in other districts, 0800-0900 Sundays. Full details are at the SARL Website: http://www.sarl.org.za/public/_news/read.asp . (Padula, Jul 20)(Source: DX Window #329 7/25/07)

Bolivia4732.02 Radio Universitaria (pres.) 0051-0207:35*, Tlk by male at tune in, then soft LA romantic music. Male returned over music at 0056 and then another Rom. song. Same M was joined by W anncr at 0100. More lively Latin American pop music with animated M anncr host afterwards. Just at threshold readability but much too noisy. Signal strength dropped down after 0100, which is consistent for sunset reception. Kept recording and found they left the air at exactly 0207:35. Finally no RTTY this night. (D.Valko/PA/HCDX 12 July)

India4920, All India Radio, (pres) 00:15-0030 Another weak signal here with music and believe I hear comments at 00:21 UTC. The noise and QRM on this band makes copy of anything not a lot of power, impossible to copy. Signal was threshold. (Chuck Bolland, January 22, 2007)

Indonesia4790, RRI Fak Fak, 0931-1035, With a female in Indonesian comments, this was followed with pop music. This format continues throughout the period. Didn't notice a break on the hour. Signal was poor. Still audible at 1035. (Chuck Bolland, July 20, 2007)

Malaysia7295, RTM, (TENT), 1016-1030 Noted at tune-in a female in English comments, possibly presenting the weather report. At 1018, a male comments. Signal was threshold and possibly a boggie. (Chuck Bolland, July 20, 2007)

Mexico9599.22 Radio Universidad 0917-1002, Usual Classical mx. 0940 Woman announcer with song announcements, then back to more music.0959 woman returned with more song announcements followed by nice canned ID promo mentioning what sounded like 96 FM. Long period of deadair then. Beautiful clear signal.(Valko 12 July)

Zimbabwe4828, Zimbabwe Broadcasting, (pres) 2330-2345, Can't hear too much since it's still a 45 minutes before sunset, but under the noise I can hear Hilife type music with singing etc at threshold. Never heard any comments due to the wild noise level. (Chuck Bolland July 21, 2007)

Hi amigos radioaficionados... I am Arnie Coro in Havana, and its my pleasure to share with you about seventeen minutes of on the air and on the web time talking about our favorite hobby, yours and mine...

RADIO... Item One: More days with an absolutely spotless solar disk are expected soon... not a single sunspot will be seen during a several days period according to solar forecasters, something that tells us a lot about the way solar cycle 23 is decaying...

Item Two: Everybody knows that whenever there is a massive emergency, cellphones simply stop working, or in the best possible scenario, it is very difficult to communicate using them. BUT, simple , relatively low cost amateur radio two meters and seventy centimeter bands continue to work nicely ,providing reliable communications links that are not dependent of the number of users of the system, like cellphones are...

That's why amateur radio continues to be regarded as a most reliable way of communicating during emergencies, something that here in Cuba we have found out when several powerful hurricanes , Michelle, Isidore, Lili, Charley and Dennis struck our archipelago !!! By the way, a low cost handheld FM two meter band transceiver and a very simple antenna system is all you will need to stay in touch via a repeater, even under the worst weather conditions !!!

Item Three: More about the Micro Vert antenna, and how it compared to a one meter diameter magnetic loop...Some experts are telling now that what is actually radiating in the case of the MicroVert antenna is a section of the outer braid of the coaxial cable feedline ! And at the end of the program, our exclusive and not copyrighted HF propagation update and forecast... Stay tuned... in just a few seconds more radio know-how for your enjoyment follows... I am Arnie Coro in Havana...

This is Radio Havana Cuba, the name of the show is Dxers Unlimited, and for first time listener's information this is a twice weekly program devoted to the promotion and development of the wonderful hobby of radio, one you can start enjoying without investing a single cent... just by using your already existing radios to catch far away stations, in other words to enjoy DXING ... !!! More about the Micro Vert ultra compact single band antenna...All I can say is that it seems to work, after all... For the past several days I have experimented quite a bit with the 40 meters band version of the Micro Vert, with my new PSK31 digital communications mode capability at CO2KK, and among the findings that I wish to share with you is that it makes a nice receiving antenna for both the 49 ,41, 31 and 25 meters international shortwave broadcast bands... and that , of course is a bonus... as the Micro Vert antenna is usually thought as a single band system for amateur radio work, in other words a rather narrow band antenna... But, I found this quite by chance, when connecting the Micro Vert's 50 ohm coaxial cable downlead to an amateur band's transceiver that also has extended coverage of the HF spectrum. The transceiver was tuned to Radio Havana Cuba's 9550 kiloHertz frequency, and to my surprise, the station came in loud and clear with the Micro Vert... The Micro Vert cut for the 40 meters ham band , used as a receiving antenna delivered excellent reception on 41 meters , as one could expect, but it did also provide quite good reception of the 31 ,25 and 22 meters bands broadcasters...

Later I ran another detailed comparative test on the 40 meters band while running 20 Watts of PSK31 mode , using the Micro Vert and a One Meter Diameter Magnetic Loop , so that both antenna could be switched very fast at the receiver's input. Results showed that , depending on the distance from the transmitting station, one could receive always equal or better signals on the Micro Vert... without having to retune every few kiloHertz, as you have to do with the Magnetic Loop...

The Micro Vert is a rather practical and compact single band solution for radio amateurs that otherwise can't operate on the HF bands due to lack of space for a standard size antenna system. So far I have built three of these antennas, one for 40 meters, another one for 30 meters and still another one for the most popular DX ham band of them all: 20 meters. In all three cases it was not really difficult to tune up the antennas, and results show, that even under recent poor propagation conditions, the Micro Verts have allowed me to carry on nice two way contacts....

The worst signal report given for the Micro Vert on 20 meters by a station about 1500 miles away from Havana, was about 2 S units below my very efficient quarter wave ground plane ... While the signal from the ground plane was reported as S9...the signal from the Micro Vert after a fast switch over was S7, an indication that DL7PE, Juergen, the inventor of the Micro Vert was absolutely right when he affirmed that his antenna design could make possible HF operation for many amateur operators that live in the cities...and for that very same reason could not installantennas for the HF ham bands......Several days in a row without a single sunspot are now not an uncommon happening !!! Some newcomers to solar observations might have wondered if this was normal or not... but long time observers, like my good friend Angel Gonzalez Coroas , are not shocked by the spotless Sun...

If you want to run your own propagation forecating software, feed the program with a solar flux figure of 70 and you will be hitting ballpark figures during the last 10 days of July !!!

And now, just before going QRT , here is Arnie Coro's Dxers Unlimited's HF propagation update and forecast... CQ magazine's VHF contest is in progress as you are hearing this show, and there are good chances of Sporadic E openings for the participants to enjoy. Solar flux at rock bottom levels near 70 and no sunspots in sight on either side of the Sun...Few chances if any of maximum useable frequencies going above 20 megaHertz, except perhaps via Trans Equatorial Propagation.. Hope to have you all listening to the mid week edition of Dxers Unlimited next Tuesday and Wednesday UTC days amigos !